MORE than £750,000 of National Lottery funding has been handed over to Black Country community organisations.

The money, raised by players for good causes, is being distributed by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in country to 44 community projects across the region.

Some of the local causes which have been given lottery funding include St Peters Baby and Toddler Group, in Kinver, Chawn Hill Church, in Stourbridge, and Halesowen Asian Elderly Association.

Other groups and causes have been awarded £10,000 and they include Westminster and Local Learners, in Rowley Regis, Magic Touch Network and Turning Points Solutions, both in Dudley, Dudley Hospital Radio and Brierley Hill-based Tappy Twins.

The West Midlands as a whole has received £5.1 million, which is being distributed across a total of 277 community projects and organisations.

James Harcourt, England grant making director at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “We are proud to be able to distribute National Lottery money to community projects that are making a real difference in the Black Country.

“When you hear about projects like this you realise the incredible impact the money generated by National Lottery players is having on communities across England.

“It really is life changing.”

The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out 40 per cent of the money raised by National Lottery players for good causes.